Subcompact sales lag behind fuel prices

Subcompact sales lag behind fuel prices

Since 2006, subcompact sales have generally tracked higher fuel prices nationwide – but not recently. As gas prices stay around $3.50 to $4.00 a gallon, subcompact sales have been plus or minus 1 percent for each of the past six months, says Wards.

Usually, product redesign helps boost sales. But that hasnt helped in Wards lower small segment, even though most of the models have been redesigned in the past few years. In the first quarter, Hyundai Accent sales fell nearly 25 percent, Mazda2 plunged 52 percent and Toyota Yaris was down 28 percent. All three were new as of 2011 or later.

One problem may be the relatively small difference in price and fuel economy between subcompacts and compacts, says Wards, citing the Hyundai Accent versus Elantra.